I found an old Elgin machine on craigslist for $50. I can't find much info about them though. If the seller responds to me I'll check it out as a backup - That's a good price for the decor value alone!

I have had Janome's for the past 5 years and love,love, love them. I had a Pfaff for 18 years that still worked fine when I traded it in on an Elna. I bought the Janome 2007DCLE and wouldn't trade it for anything. It is great for anything I do. The 6600 is a workhorse. It is built, all metal gears/bushings and has the thread cutter which is priceless and the best needle threader. I don't doubt the Janome Horizon is a dandy machine but for all the bells and whistles, I would go for the 6600.